Analyzing effectiveness of game ball delivery

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of apparatus and methods for analyzing delivery of a game ball. In an exemplary embodiment, a delivery analyzer apparatus generally includes a light curtain structure configured to provide a first plurality of parallel light beams in a first direction to form a first light curtain and a second plurality of parallel light beams in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction to form a second light curtain. The first and second light curtains provide a detection area in which a location of a user-propelled game ball is detectable as the game ball passes through the first and second light curtains toward a target.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to analyzing effectiveness of delivery of game balls that include, but are not limited to, baseballs.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

In the game of baseball, a pitcher strives to make the baseball travel in unexpected ways toward a batter before the ball passes through a strike zone over home plate. A baseball moves extremely fast when the pitcher attempts to throw it through the strike zone, and so pitchers tend to devote significant amounts of time to practice tailored to improve their pitching control.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of apparatus and methods for analyzing delivery of a game ball. In an exemplary embodiment, a delivery analyzer apparatus generally includes a light curtain structure configured to provide a first plurality of parallel light beams in a first direction to form a first light curtain and a second plurality of parallel light beams in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction to form a second light curtain. The first and second light curtains provide a detection area in which a location of a user-propelled game ball is detectable as the game ball passes through the first and second light curtains toward a target.

In another example embodiment, a delivery analyzer apparatus generally includes a light curtain structure supported by a frame and configured to provide a first light curtain and a second light curtain that provides light beams orthogonal to light beams provided by the first light curtain. A target is mounted to the frame behind the light curtains so as to receive a game ball user-propelled through the light curtains. The first and second light curtains provide a detection area in which a location of a user-propelled game ball is detectable as the game ball passes through the first and second light curtains.

Also disclosed are methods that generally include a method of analyzing delivery of a game ball. A delivery analyzer apparatus provides a first light curtain and a second and third light curtain that provide light beams orthogonal to light beams provided by the first light curtain. The delivery analyzer apparatus receives a user-propelled game ball in a detection area formed by the light curtains, and uses data detected in the detection area to determine a position and speed of the game ball as the game ball passes through the light curtains.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of a delivery analyzer apparatus in accordance with one example embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a sensor upright in accordance with one example embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a horizontal sensor bar in accordance with one example embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of a sensor housing in accordance with one example embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of a shroud in accordance with one example embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of three alignment devices in accordance with one example embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a bar on which light emitters are arranged in accordance with one example embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a delivery analyzer apparatus in accordance with one example embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a sensor housing and mounting arms in accordance with one example embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a view of a scatter graph in accordance with one example embodiment; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a delivery analyzer apparatus in accordance with one example embodiment.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The inventor hereof has recognized that being able to analyze precisely the delivery of a baseball to a strike zone can help a pitcher improve his/her pitching skills. Accordingly, the inventor has developed and discloses herein exemplary embodiments of apparatus and methods for analyzing the effectiveness of delivery of baseballs and/or other types of game balls. Game balls may include but are not limited to baseballs, soccer balls, footballs, volleyballs, kick balls, etc. Delivering a game ball may include (without limitation) pitching, hitting, batting, kicking, tossing, butting, fisting, etc. It should be understood that the terms “deliver” and “delivery of” a ball, as referred to in the present disclosure and claims, does not require completion or success in making such delivery. Thus, for example, a baseball that is thrown but does not reach the strike zone may nevertheless be construed as having been “delivered.”

In some embodiments, a delivery analyzer apparatus is configured to capture a location and speed of a baseball pitch. Baseball pitches are governed to be a “strike” or a “ball” as determined by the rules of the game of baseball. In various embodiments, a delivery analyzer apparatus may record the location of a pitch, its location being expressed in graphic form relative to an x/y axis, and the speed of the ball travelling into or near a strike zone. Optical sensors are used to determine an (x, y) location, e.g., of a pitch relative to a rectangle of approximately four feet by four feet, which is the area above a baseball home plate known as a “strike zone”. A strike zone is the area of concern in relation to which an umpire would determine whether a pitch should be called a “ball” or a “strike.”

In one example embodiment, a delivery analyzer apparatus includes a light curtain structure configured to provide a first plurality of parallel light beams in a first direction to form a first light curtain and a second plurality of parallel light beams in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction to form a second light curtain. The first and second light curtains are configured to provide a detection area in which a location of a user-propelled game ball is detectable as the game ball passes through the first and second light curtains toward a target.

In the present example embodiment, the light curtain structure is further configured to provide a third plurality of parallel light beams in the first direction to form a third light curtain separated from the first light curtain by a space through which to detect the speed of the game ball as the game ball passes through the light curtains. Based on the detection of the ball through the light curtains, a controller determines location coordinates and speed of the ball as it moves through the light curtains.

With reference now to the figures, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a delivery analyzer apparatus 10 embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The delivery analyzer apparatus 10 includes a light curtain structure 12 supported by a frame 14. The frame 14 also supports a target 16, e.g., a mat or net against which a game ball 20 may be thrown, kicked or otherwise propelled by user of the apparatus 10. In the present example embodiment, the game ball 20 is a baseball and the target 16 is a mat 22, made, e.g., of rubber or other suitable material, on which a marking 26 represents a strike zone. The marking 26 may be positioned so as to correspond to a strike zone that would be above a home plate in a baseball game. A controller 30 is provided, e.g., in or on the frame 14 behind the target 16. A controller could be provided in other or additional locations. In some embodiments, control functions may be distributed among a plurality of controllers, microprocessors, etc.

As shown in FIG. 1, the light curtain structure 12 may be activated to provide a plurality of parallel light beams 34 in a vertical direction to form a light curtain 38. The light curtain 38 may be used to detect a horizontal location of the ball 20, and so is referred to herein as the “x-detecting” light curtain 38. In the present example embodiment, a horizontal emitter bar 42 has a row 44 of aligned light emitters 46 regularly spaced apart from one another. An opposed horizontal sensor bar 48 has a row 50 of aligned light sensors 52 regularly spaced apart and positioned to detect the vertical light beams 34 from the emitters 46.

As shown in FIG. 2, the light curtain structure 12 may be activated to provide a plurality of parallel light beams 60 in a horizontal direction to form a y-detecting light curtain 64. The y-detecting light curtain 64 is configured with the x-detecting light curtain 38 to provide a detection area 68 in which a location of the game ball 20 is detectable as the game ball passes through the light curtains 38 and 64 toward the target 16. It will be understood by those knowledgeable in the art that a “detection area” has at least some thickness, which may be as narrow as dimensions of light waves produced by light emitters but may also include space, e.g., between two light curtains that are not coincident in the same plane.

In the present example embodiment, a second y-detecting light curtain 70 is provided that is spaced apart from the y-detecting light curtain 64 for determining the speed of a game ball as further described below. It should be noted, however, that in some other embodiments, two x-detecting light curtains could be provided additionally or alternatively for determining game ball speed. In the present example embodiment, an emitter upright 72 of the light curtain structure 12 includes two parallel columns 74 of light emitters 76 aligned with and regularly spaced apart from one another. An opposed sensor upright 78 has two parallel columns 80 of light sensors 82 regularly spaced apart and positioned to detect horizontal light beams 84 from the emitters 76.

The sensor upright 78 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 3. In the present example embodiment, the two columns 80 of light sensors 82, e.g., phototransistors photo sensors, etc., are arranged two inches apart, both vertically and horizontally. It should be noted, however, that spacing between sensors could be different in other embodiments. The light sensors 82 are electronically connected to a microprocessor (not shown.) The light sensors 82 may provide analogue or digital output. Such light sensors can exhibit reaction times, e.g., under 16 millionths of a second.

The emitter upright 72 includes a plurality of light emitters 76, which may include (without limitation) LEDs, lasers, infrared (IR) LEDs, IR lasers, etc. Such LEDs and/or lasers may provide light, e.g., that is red in color. Additionally or alternatively, an emitter 76 may provide, e.g., invisible infrared light, 620-nanometer wavelengths to 1,500 nanometer wavelengths, etc.

The horizontal sensor bar 48 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 4. In the present example embodiment, the horizontal sensor bar 48 includes a single row 50 of sensors 52. Where the speed of a ball passing through the detection area 68 is determined using the x-detecting light curtain 38 and y-detecting light curtain 64, another two-curtain sensor arrangement for the horizontal emitter and sensor bars 42 and 48 may be omitted. In the present example embodiment, data from the x-detecting light curtain 38 is used to determine a horizontal “x” location of a game ball, and data from the y-detecting light curtain 64 is used to determine a vertical “y” location of the ball, which may be used, e.g., to obtain a pitching statistic.

In the present embodiment, each sensor 52 and 82 is arranged, e.g., in a linear formation of twenty-one (21) sensors. Each sensor 52 or 82 is spaced, e.g., two (2) inches apart from its neighboring sensor(s). In operation, one or more of the horizontal bar sensors 52 and one or more of the upright sensors 82 detect a pitching event induced by the ball 20 being thrown into the detection area 68 and blocking the light emitted by one or more light emitter 46 and one or more light emitter 76. Such vertical and horizontal detection information may be used to identify a precise placement of the pitch, e.g., to within one (1) inch of variance. In various embodiments, microprocessor firmware may be used to interpolate the detection information to locate a regulation size baseball to within +/−½ inch of accuracy (varying on the algorithm of the data processing). The speed and position of the pitch may be stored digitally.

It should be noted that other or additional means could be used for detecting the position of a ball against a target such as the rubber mat 22. For instance, accelerometers may be used to sense impact locations, which may be determined using timing measurements. Such accelerometers may measure shock in three dimensions (x, y and z.) Shock sensors may be positioned so as to determine the location of the ball's impact on the rubber mat 22. Accelerometers may also be used to determine the velocity of the ball at impact, although the variance found in baseballs as to type, age and moisture content can complicate speed determination. In the present example embodiment, one or more accelerometers (not shown) are used for pitch placement sensing.

Another type of sensor mechanism that may be used in various embodiments is an intrusion sensor. Upon impact on a rubber mat of a baseball, a region of the mat is typically pushed backwards. The backward push typically cuts off ambient light making its way to light sensors. Such a sudden and brief absence may be detected and determined to be a pitch. Depending on which region of the mat is sensed, that pitch may be determined as being a strike or a ball. Although such sensors might not provide information that could be used to determine speed, such methods can be useful, e.g., in various outdoor applications and can be made waterproof.

An actual strike zone extends 18 inches from the ground, on average. The lower portion of the strike zone is at the height of the batter's knee, which varies from player to player. The upper region of the strike zone is usually 44 inches from the ground for an average adult. It is the area just under the batter's elbow. The strike zone is 24 inches wide as determined by most common baseball rules. The strike zone is not to be confused with home plate, which is usually “17” inches wide. An actual strike zone varies with different batters along with their height. Any pitch landing inside of this strike zone is considered a “strike”. Any pitch landing outside of the strike zone is considered a “ball”. In various delivery analyzer apparatus embodiments, a sensor array may detect the location of a ball substantially anywhere inside of an approximately 44-inch by 44-inch rectangle. Such a rectangular detection area is assumed to be a “batting area” where a baseball batter can reasonably be expected to be able to hit a ball with a baseball bat. In some embodiments, a ball thrown but not landing within such a detection area is a “wild” pitch and is not recorded by the delivery analyzer apparatus. In such an embodiment, both strikes and balls, but not wild pitches, may be analyzed.

Referring to the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the speed of a pitch is determined by the y-detecting light curtains 64 and 70. The sensor upright 78 is configured to detect, e.g., the height from the ground at which a pitched ball travels into the detection area 68. The sensor upright 78 is also configured to provide data indicative of the speed of the ball. The sensors 82 of the sensor upright 78 may determine the penetration of a ball inside the detection area 68. Such event starts a counter, e.g., on a microprocessor or on the controller 30. The counter is based, e.g., on a 20 MHz crystal oscillator time base. One or more microprocessors included in the apparatus 10 also use a 20 MHz clock pulse. As the ball proceeds onto the mat 22, the ball penetrates the second y-detecting light curtain 70, which triggers a stop of the counting process. The counter start and stop information is stored digitally, e.g., in the controller 30. Logic-based algorithms may be used by microprocessor(s) controlling the light curtains to determine the speed of the ball. This sort of speed determination can be precise, for example, with errors not exceeding one (1) mile per hour.

Light sensor shielding shall now be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 shows a portion of a sensor housing, e.g., a tube 100 in which the sensor upright 78 is housed. Two columns of slits 104 are provided through which the sensors 82 receive light beams from corresponding light emitters 76. Electronic sensor components 108 are mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) 112, which is held in place inside the tube 100 by one or more mounting brackets 116. A lens 120 made, e.g., of acrylic is positioned opposite the slits 104 and on a pad 124 made, e.g., of polyethylene foam, provided between the lens 120 and the PCB 112.

To protect, e.g., the sensors 82 from most ambient light sources, the PCB 112 is mounted in a recessed location inside the sensor tube 100. Such an arrangement can serve, e.g., to provide a tight aspect ratio for a sensor window and recessed position. The orientation of the mounting brackets 116 that hold the printed circuit board 112 in place, along with specific positioning of the pad 124, serve to enhance a shrouding effect to defend against ambient light. As shown in FIG. 6, further interference can be dampened, e.g., by applying plastic shrouds 150 to block angular ambient light from electronic components 108.

In various embodiments and as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, an alignment device 200 may be used to hold an emitter 46 or 76, such as a laser or LED, in place in relation to the horizontal emitter bar 42 or emitter upright 72. The alignment device 200 may be triangular in shape and may be made, e.g., of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic or other suitable material. Acrylic and/or substantially any types of plastics are suitable, as long as such material provides acceptable levels of rigidity and machinability, and/or leaves a fine finish if cut by laser cutting processes. In the present example embodiment, the alignment device 200 is approximately one and one fourth (1.25) inches wide and long and approximately one fourth (0.25) inches thick. The alignment device 200 includes a center hole 204 approximately six (6) millimeters in diameter and three alignment holes 208 surrounding the center hole 204. The alignment holes 208 are distributed approximately one hundred and twenty (120) degrees (angular measurement) apart and equidistant from the center hole 204. Each of the alignment holes 208 is approximately fourteen hundredths (0.14) inches in diameter to allow for clearance, e.g., for a #6 positioning screw 212. In other embodiments, however, different dimensions may be provided.

The outer shape of an alignment device 200 is not necessarily triangular, but the triangular placement of the adjustment holes 208 is functional. Any three points comprise a plane, and so the alignment device 200 is capable of providing a flat surface 220. The center hole 204 serves to affix a laser or LED light source 224. Laser lights can provide an extremely straight and highly defined light beam. LEDs also may be used in various embodiments, if, e.g., a given LED is coupled with a focusing lens or the LED light is collimated, e.g., via a collimating lens or reflector.

In the present example embodiment, the affixed laser or LED 224 is affixed to the center hole 204 and is positioned to be perpendicular to the alignment device 200. Any adjustment causing a repositioning of the flat surface 220 by any of the three positioning screws 212 causes a corresponding redirection of the laser's beam. The laser or LED light source embedded in the center hole 204 remains perpendicular to its flat surface 220; the flat surface 220 can face differing directions as positioned by the screws 212. By adjusting the height of one or more of the screws 212, the laser or LED 224 can be repositioned, redirected, and otherwise “aimed” in various directions. The final aimed direction can then be screwed into place using locking nuts 230.

As shown in FIG. 8, a variety of lasers or LEDs 224 can be grouped onto a single bar 234 (made, e.g., of metal or plastic) and can each be aimed individually. Such ganged light sources may be arranged in such a manner as to form a light curtain for use as previously described.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the frame 14 is made, e.g., of metal and may be constructed, e.g., using materials such as angle iron and tubing. Various parts may be welded together and/or bolted. In various embodiments, the frame 14 may be painted with enamel paint or powder coated. Above the frame 14 is a digital display 300 that may show, e.g., the resulting speed of each pitch. In front of the digital display 300 is a pane of Lexan®, acrylic, or other material suitable to protect the display 300 from damage, e.g., if struck by a baseball. The controller 30 may use data detected by the sensors 52 and 82 to determine the (x, y) location and speed of a ball. Based on the nature of the data, the controller 30 sends information for display, e.g., the speed and “call” information such as “ball” or “strike.” A variety of messages may be displayed, e.g., on a two dimensional monochrome graphics display having four different 32 by 64 LED panels, totaling 2048 LEDs. A regular plasma TV or LED TFT screen may also be used.

The frame 14 includes a rectangular front portion 304, a rectangular rear portion 308, and arms 312 whereby the horizontal bars (42, 48) and uprights (72, 78) are mounted to the frame 14. The arms 312 are made, e.g., of 1½ by 1½ by ⅛^(th) inch steel tubing. Holes used to mount the horizontal bars (42, 48) and uprights (72, 78) to the frame 14 are, e.g., round 7/16^(th) inch holes to accommodate 7/16^(th) bolts used for mounting. The accommodating holes in the frame 14 may be round on the front frame portion 304 but may be slotted on the rear frame portion 308.

In various embodiments, the metal arms 312 are capable of being mechanically adjusted using a Vernier adjustment 314. A combination of bolts and fittings can be adjusted to align the horizontal bars (42, 48) and uprights (72, 78) to effectively aim and sense emitted light. In the present example embodiment, the horizontal bars (42, 48) and uprights (72, 78) can be lowered and/or raised vertically into alignment with each other using a lever-pivoting action. Thus a vertical/pivotal adjustment can be provided. A slotted hole 320 on the rear frame portion 308 allows a mounting arm 312 to be moved up and/or down on the rear frame portion 308, providing the lever action, which in turn allows the arm 312 to turn on a bolt 324 fastened to the front frame portion 304, thereby providing a fulcrum effect.

Manual adjustments can also be made through horizontal swiveling. Such adjustments can provide fine tuning of angles of the horizontal bars (42, 48) and uprights (72, 78) to provide accurate aiming and accurate reception of light. The horizontal bars (42, 48) and uprights (72, 78) can be swiveled horizontally slightly for better matching of light beams and sensor angle of incident. Such manual adjustments make it possible to affix the horizontal bars (42, 48) and uprights (72, 78) in optimal positions relative to one another.

Circuitry of the apparatus 10 includes the sensors 52 and 82, which may be phototransistors that produce an analog signal in response to certain levels of light. In various embodiments the sensors 52 and 82 may be particularly sensitive to the lower bands of the light spectrum, e.g., red light and invisible infrared light. Various light sources could be used, depending, e.g., on availability and/or brightness of LEDs and lasers. In the present example embodiment, red lasers are used, which can be extremely bright and relatively inexpensive. In other embodiments, infrared light LEDs may be used.

The apparatus 10 may include one or more microprocessors (not shown) that may be used in and/or in cooperation with the controller 30, e.g., to process various types of data, to display the speed of a ball and/or status of the apparatus 10, etc. In the present example embodiment, several microprocessors are used, e.g., by or in cooperation with the horizontal bars (42, 48) and uprights (72, 78) to gather and interpret pitching events and to log the speed and location of passing balls. The horizontal bars (42, 48) and uprights (72, 78) may be embedded with microprocessors, which may, e.g., gather information pertaining to light curtain events, interpolate and calculate ball position and speed, and store data that is made available to the controller 30, e.g., during a data query phase.

The controller 30 may also be microprocessor-based and may conduct regular queries to the horizontal bars (42, 48) and uprights (72, 78), e.g., to query event activity that has taken place, to determine which particular sensors have such data and what the start and stop count was, etc. Based on such information the controller 30 may send scoreboard information to the display 300 for display, e.g., for a few seconds before resetting. Conditional information may also be displayed that includes, e.g., what the thrown ball was, whether it was a ball or a strike, etc. Other or additional information may be displayed, including, e.g., operational conditions such as wait, ready, error, etc.

In one embodiment, after a certain period of time and/or after a given number of pitches have been recorded, the controller 30 develops a graph of the pitching session, e.g., as shown in FIG. 11. The graph 400 is an x-y scatter graph illustrating a graphical record of pitches, placement of each pitch within the detection area 68, the speed of each pitch, and ordinal sequence of each pitch. This data may be derived, e.g., from a table of information queried from the various microprocessors found, e.g., in the horizontal bars (42, 48) and uprights (72, 78). Firmware running the controller 30 may interpret such data to format each pitch for display in the graph 400. It should be noted that the graph 400 can illustrate the strike/ball success rate of the pitcher.

The graph 400 can be generated and transmitted, e.g., via Bluetooth® cordless transmission to a player's smart phone. This information can then be stored and used by the player. A Bluetooth® capability may be integrated into the communications section of a circuit board, e.g., of the controller 30 and can be constructed of individual electronic components or as an add-on module. Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus 10 may be equipped with a WiFi connection. Thus, at the end of a pitching session the controller 30 may transmit pitching session data, e.g., to a website and may upload the graph for subsequent use. In some embodiments, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port may be provided to allow a user to obtain data, e.g., by downloading the pitching data to a USB jump drive for personal use.

If the apparatus 10 has a malfunction as determined by resident diagnostic queries conducted by the controller 30, an “Error” message may be displayed on the LED display 300 and the apparatus 10 may enter a “Pause” mode until the error is corrected and the apparatus 10 is reset. An error can be as simple as a baseball resting on the lower horizontal emitter bar 42 and not permitting the corresponding horizontal sensor bar 48 to receive light. It should be noted generally that various directions of emitted light, relative locations of emitters and sensors, and other similar spatial and directional relationships and dimensions could be different in various embodiments. For example, in one embodiment a horizontal emitter bar could be located above, instead of below, a horizontal sensor bar.

A power supply may be provided that converts from AC to DC regulated power supplies, e.g., from a 110 VAC input to a 12 VDC power signal to a variety of devices. Also, a separate 5V supply may be used to operate the controller 30 and the display 300. Additionally or alternatively, a battery may be provided, e.g., mounted on the frame 14 that can be recharged, e.g., from a battery charger plugged into a standard 110 VAC outlet.

Another example embodiment of a delivery analyzer apparatus is indicated generally in FIG. 12 by reference number 500. The apparatus 500 includes a light curtain structure 504 supported by a frame 508. In the present example embodiment, a horizontal emitter bar 512 has a row 516 of aligned light emitters 520 regularly spaced apart from one another. An opposed horizontal sensor bar 524 has a row 528 of aligned light sensors 532 regularly spaced apart and positioned to detect vertical light beams (not shown) from the emitters 520. An emitter upright 530 of the light curtain structure 504 includes one or more columns 534 of light emitters 538 aligned with and regularly spaced apart from one another. An opposed sensor upright 542 has one or more columns 544 of light sensors 548 regularly spaced apart and positioned to detect the horizontal light beams (not shown) from the emitters 538.

In the present example embodiment, X and Y positions of a ball are measured using light curtains and a radar speed sensor (not shown) is used to detect ball speed. The apparatus 500 can be used to measure a pitch in a similar fashion as the delivery analyzer apparatus 10, and also can measure a subsequent hit by a batter and estimate the trajectory of the batted ball using Newtonian projectile physics. The delivery analyzer apparatus 500 can also be used, e.g., in a soccer application, e.g., to measure the kicking ability of soccer players and the blocking capability of a goalkeeper.

Various embodiments of the foregoing apparatus can be used, e.g., by pitchers and coaches to analyze the location of pitches, the speed of the pitches, and overall performance of a given baseball pitcher. The apparatus can provide information needed to determine accuracy, speed, fatigue and overall competence of a given baseball pitcher. The apparatus can render a “graph” of the pitcher's performance in the form of an x, y scatter graph, thereby providing a record of the location of each pitch about the strike zone area along with the corresponding speed of the pitch.

This type of pitching analyzer provides increased accuracy. Where an x,y sensor array is carefully placed, high precision of ball location can be achieved. The specific location of a pitch can be determined to within one (1) inch of accuracy and serves well to accurately determine the pitch outcome (ball or strike). The subsequent information can then be transmitted wirelessly by a digital protocol such as Bluetooth® and/or WiFi, to a website server and/or a personal digital appliance such as a tablet or smart phone. Such information can be made available for upload to certain websites.

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. In addition, advantages and improvements that may be achieved with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided for purpose of illustration only and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure, as exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may provide all or none of the above mentioned advantages and improvements and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Specific dimensions, specific materials, and/or specific shapes disclosed herein are example in nature and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure herein of particular values and particular ranges of values for given parameters are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values that may be useful in one or more of the examples disclosed herein. Moreover, it is envisioned that any two particular values for a specific parameter stated herein may define the endpoints of a range of values that may be suitable for the given parameter (i.e., the disclosure of a first value and a second value for a given parameter can be interpreted as disclosing that any value between the first and second values could also be employed for the given parameter). For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned that parameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of 1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may have other ranges of values including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8, 2-3, 3-10, and 3-9.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The term “about” when applied to values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by “about” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters. For example, the terms “generally,” “about,” and “substantially,” may be used herein to mean within manufacturing tolerances. Or, for example, the term “about” as used herein when modifying a quantity of an ingredient or reactant of the invention or employed refers to variation in the numerical quantity that can happen through typical measuring and handling procedures used, for example, when making concentrates or solutions in the real world through inadvertent error in these procedures; through differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the ingredients employed to make the compositions or carry out the methods; and the like. The term “about” also encompasses amounts that differ due to different equilibrium conditions for a composition resulting from a particular initial mixture. Whether or not modified by the term “about,” the claims include equivalents to the quantities.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements, intended or stated uses, or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A delivery analyzer apparatus comprising: a light curtain structure configured to provide a first plurality of parallel light beams in a first direction to form a first light curtain and a second plurality of parallel light beams in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction to form a second light curtain; the first and second light curtains configured to provide a detection area in which a location of a user-propelled game ball is detectable as the game ball passes through the first and second light curtains toward a target.
 2. The delivery analyzer apparatus of claim 1, wherein the light curtain structure is further configured to provide a third plurality of parallel light beams in the first direction to form a third light curtain separated from the first light curtain by a space through which to detect the speed of the game ball as the game ball passes through the light curtains.
 3. The delivery analyzer apparatus of claim 1, wherein the light curtain structure comprises: a plurality of vertically aligned light sources for providing the first plurality of parallel light beams, and a plurality of corresponding vertically aligned light sensors for sensing the first plurality of parallel light beams; and a plurality of horizontally aligned light sources for providing the second plurality of parallel light beams, and a plurality of corresponding horizontally aligned light sensors for sensing the second plurality of parallel light beams.
 4. The delivery analyzer apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a controller configured to determine the location of the user-propelled game ball in the detection area.
 5. The delivery analyzer apparatus of claim 4, wherein the controller is further configured to determine a speed of the game ball through a space separating the detection area and a third light curtain.
 6. The delivery analyzer apparatus of claim 1, further comprising the target, the target positioned so as to intercept the user-propelled game ball upon passage of the game ball through the light curtains.
 7. The delivery analyzer apparatus of claim 6, wherein the target comprises one or more sensors configured to determine a location of impact of the game ball striking the target.
 8. The delivery analyzer apparatus of claim 6, wherein the target includes one or more of the following: a mat, a net, a strike zone, and a goal area.
 9. A delivery analyzer apparatus comprising: a light curtain structure supported by a frame and configured to provide a first light curtain and a second light curtain that provides light beams orthogonal to light beams provided by the first light curtain; and a target mounted to the frame behind the light curtains so as to receive a game ball user-propelled through the light curtains; the first and second light curtains configured to provide a detection area in which a location of a user-propelled game ball is detectable as the game ball passes through the first and second light curtains.
 10. The delivery analyzer apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a third light curtain providing light beams in the same direction as the beams provided by the first light curtain, the third light curtain being spaced apart from the first light curtain.
 11. The delivery analyzer apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first and third light curtains provide detection data for determining a speed of the game ball.
 12. The delivery analyzer apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a controller configured to provide a scatter graph depicting a plurality of target locations to which the game ball was user-propelled.
 13. The delivery analyzer apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first light curtain is produced by one of two parallel columns or rows of aligned light sources emitting light to one of two parallel columns or rows of corresponding aligned light sensors.
 14. A method of analyzing delivery of a game ball, the method comprising: providing a first light curtain and a second and third light curtain that provide light beams orthogonal to light beams provided by the first light curtain; receiving a user-propelled game ball in a detection area formed by the light curtains; and using data detected in the detection area to determine a position and speed of the game ball as the game ball passes through the light curtains; the method performed by a delivery analyzer apparatus.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: receiving the user-propelled game ball in the detection area a plurality of times; and providing a scatter graph depicting a plurality of positions and speeds of the game ball.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the game ball includes a baseball.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising determining a location at which the user-propelled baseball struck a target behind the light curtains.
 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising displaying whether the user-propelled baseball passed through the light curtains as a ball or as a strike. 